200 Buchanan Road, Morayfield, QLD 4506 Tel: 1300 284 531 sales@justpatios.com.au Increasing greenhouse gas concentrations have driven up global temperatures significantly in the past eight years, making them the warmest on record. This rise has caused extreme weather events such as heatwaves, drought, and flooding to occur more frequently and with greater intensity than before, according to the provisional State of the Global Climate in 2022 report of the World Meteorological Organization. The past decade saw a rapid rise in record-high daily temperatures worldwide. The continental United States is starting to experience twice as many record highs than lows in a day. The 1950s saw a near 1:1 ratio in high and low temperatures. Heatwaves are now more common and intense. A report showed that the increasing temperatures had fueled humanitarian emergencies in Somalia, Pakistan, and other nations. Increasing global temperatures foreshadow deadlier and more frequent humanitarian crises. The situation requires aggressive steps in averting potential heat disasters. Effects on Human Health In the United States, heat waves are among the deadliest disasters (even above hurricanes), averaging more than 600 deaths yearly from 1999-2009. Heat stress happens to humans when the body can't cool itself down well. The standard way for the body to lower its temperature is by sweating, but sweat won't disappear as fast when it's humid. That could cause heat stroke. Key elements causing these issues are high humidity and hotter temperatures at night Higher Temperatures Around the World In the United States, heat waves are among the deadliest disasters (even above hurricanes), averaging more than 600 deaths yearly from 1999-2009. Heat stress happens to humans when the body can't cool itself down well. The standard way for the body to lower its temperature is by sweating, but sweat won't disappear as fast when it's humid. That could cause heat stroke. Key elements causing these issues are high humidity and hotter temperatures at night. Effects on Human Health Prolonged exposure to heat can be dangerous, especially for those who don't have access to cooling methods such as air conditioning. People living in poverty often face this lack of relief at night. However, other demographics are also vulnerable to heat-related health problems, such as the elderly, infants and children, outdoor workers, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Prolonged Exposure Even as the world works towards reducing global warming, it is crucial to take measures to protect against extreme temperatures. One way to do this is through proper insulation in homes and buildings. Proper insulation reduces heat transfer from outside, keeping indoor temperatures cool during hot days and warm on cold days. Additionally, homeowners should tint windows with UV-protective films that reduce the amount of sunlight entering the building; therefore, reducing heat levels inside. Other necessary measures include using shades, blinds, and awnings to block out sunlight. They can be installed close to the windows depending on what is most effective in the particular climate. Additionally, trees and shrubs planted around buildings can create shade and provide cooler air as they transpire. Global temperatures have been rising rapidly for the past decade, posing serious consequences for human health and safety around the world. Aggressive steps need to be taken now to avert potential disasters that involve extremely high temperatures. As temperatures continue to increase, it will be more important for everyone to take the right measures to protect themselves from extreme heat. Protection Against Extreme Heat ht tps: / /www. justpat ios .com.au/ ht tps: / /publ ic .wmo. in t /en /media /press- re lease /e ight -warmest - years - record-wi tness-upsurge-c l imate -change- impacts ht tps: / /www. i f rc .org /press- re lease /heatwaves-account -some- deadl ies t -d isasters -and-are - in tens i fy ing-warn- i f rc -and ht tps: / /www.ready .gov /heat References :